In the event of an emergency, our District cities will work diligently to ensure public safety and restore services as quickly as possible. However, disasters often strike without warning and can result in evacuation or being confined to your home for several hours or days without basic services like power, water, gas, electricity, phones, or access to stores. Thus, it is extremely important to ensure your family’s safety by preparing for a disaster before it happens. 

Our local District cities and fire departments urge everyone to do their part to ensure their safety by taking action now to prepare. It is recommended that individuals and families prepare to go without outside services or assistance for 5-7 days.  

In light of recent fires and power outages, Sequoia Healthcare District has partnered with Redwood City Fire Department to offer FREE, quarterly emergency preparedness classes for District residents. Join us for our next class on Thursday January 9th at 7pm, to learn what to do before, during, and after an emergency. 

In addition to attending an upcoming class, you can prepare an emergency kit. 

A basic emergency supply kit can include the following recommended items:

• Water – one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation 
• Food – at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food 
• Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert 
• Flashlight 
• First aid kit 
• Extra batteries 
• Whistle to signal for help 
• Dust mask to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place 
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation 
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities 
• Manual can opener for food 
• Local maps 
• Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery 

Based on individual needs, you can consider adding these additional recommended items:

• Prescription medications 
• Non-prescription medications such as pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medication, antacids or laxatives 
• Glasses and contact lense solution 
• Infant formula, bottles, diapers, wipes, diaper rash cream 
• Pet food and extra water for your pet 
• Cash or traveler’s checks 
• Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records saved electronically or in a waterproof, portable container 
• Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person 
• Complete change of clothing appropriate for your climate and sturdy shoes 
• Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper to disinfect water 
• Fire extinguisher 
• Matches in a waterproof container 
• Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items 
• Mess kits, paper cups, plates, paper towels and plastic utensils 
• Paper and pencil 
• Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children 

It is a good idea to store emergency supplies at home, at work, and in your car.

To learn more, join us and Redwood City Fire Department on Thursday January 9th for our FREE disaster preparedness class. 

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